Liste des groupes Post Hardcore Orbe Albedo

Hardly anything has ever surprised me so much. Italian atmospheric band Orbe’s release Albedo is one of most precious instrumental albums that came out lately, however, even though this has nothing to do with the music, there is something that might put many people off right after seeing the album. Yes, seeing, not hearing. The booklet, especially the cover art, is basically an amazing artwork combining beauty and ugliness, the ugly part is however very repulsive. Not in a provoking way as many grind album covers, but in a creepy, scary way. Anyway, everyone can judge by their own taste. On the other hand, the bigger the surprise is when you listen to the album itself.

There are many cases when labelling an album as instrumental is just a polite way of saying that it is boring, not this time though. For those who prefer the songs with vocals only, this album is exactly what can prove them wrong. Listening to every composition you can only think that any vocals would only spoil the whole atmosphere. Sometimes an occasion mumbling in the background is audible, but still it just adds some spice to the song and does not become a centre of attention.

Every song combines progressive riffs with melodic tunes and even in the moments when you are overwhelmed by heavy rhythms the song doesn’t lose its dreamful atmosphere at all. What more, the album itself makes an impression of a story rather than just a musical piece of work. No matter if it was a purpose or not, all songs show a scale of emotions without being unnecessarily mellow. What is the strongest point is the illusion of anticipation created by mild ticking or caressing a guitar string, followed by a heavy and fast part which gradually slows down again. And this goes all over again. Does it sound boring? Yes and no. It is the same pattern repeating during the whole album, but it keeps listener’s attention rather than bore him.

Therefore if you give this album a chance, you cannot be disappointed. Albedo is a fluid yet very fresh release, not bringing any earthshaking new element into music yet still it does not give you a feeling like you have heard something like this dozen times before. But yet you might need some strength to get over the booklet.